Virtuous Errors and Logical Mistakes

What is a virtuous error?

A mistake that has an underlying logic, showing that learning has taken place.

What do virtuous errors show about a child’s language development?

They show that the child has understood a grammatical rule and is trying to apply it, even if incorrectly.

How are virtuous errors linked to morphology?

They often occur when children begin to apply morphological rules such as tense or pluralisation.

Why are virtuous errors not considered true mistakes?

Because they demonstrate learning and rule formation, rather than random error.

What do virtuous errors tell us about language acquisition?

They show that children actively construct language and form hypotheses about grammar based on the input they receive.

What is an example of a virtuous error?

Using “goed” instead of “went” or “mouses” instead of “mice”.

What is meant by the term “logical mistake”?

A similar idea to a virtuous error — it’s an error that follows the logical rules of language, even if it’s grammatically incorrect.

How do virtuous errors support nativist and cognitive theories of language?

They support the idea that children are not just imitating adults but are working out grammatical systems for themselves.